Thank you for convening this gathering that we might all have the opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of one of humanity’s great leaders. I stand here today on behalf of the 133 countries of the Group of 77 and China to join the international voice that rises in praise of the late President Mandela.

The General Assembly of the United Nations met this morning in a special event to honour the life and memory of the late President Nelson Mandela. Speakers included the President of the General Assembly, Mr John Ashe, the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, the former Mayor of New York, Mr David Dinkins, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu by video from South Africa. Fiji's Ambassador Peter Thomson led the speakers from the floor of the General Assembly, speaking in Fiji's capacity as Chairman of the 133-member Group of 77 and China.

Speaking in Fiji's capacity as 2013 Chair of the Group of 77 and China, Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the United Nations 5th Committee today on the need for the budgetary committee to move responsibly towards the completion of its work in 2013. The 5th Committee has before it the task of approving the United Nations budget for the biennium 2014-2015.